🚨 2002 Rolls-Royce Corniche: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Corniche uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical shift lock linked to the brake pedal and ignition.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any remaining charge)
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot—typically a small covered opening near the base of the column shifter or on the steering column shroud
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot (may require a small flathead screwdriver to pry gently)
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the ignition key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shift lever to Neutral
- If the ignition cannot be turned due to dead battery, you may need to manually unlock the steering column lock (this may require dealer-level access or physical steering wheel manipulation)
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the column shifter assembly or on the steering column shroud beneath a small plastic cap; exact location may vary by production specification
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock may remain engaged. The mechanical override slot should still function, but the steering lock will likely remain engaged, making towing extremely difficult. Use a jump pack or external 12V source to power the vehicle momentarily if possible. Otherwise, flatbed towing with wheel dollies on the front wheels is strongly recommended.